Fears over adult-only service for mobiles

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Mobile phone users could be able to download pornography, violent video games and gambling sites under a program soon to be available to Optus subscribers.

The company is likely to join Hutchison Telecommunications and introduce restricted-access services for its mobile customers, despite consumer group fears.

Expected to be known as Optus Zoo Adult, the service would allow subscribers aged 18 and over to download adult services to their mobile phone.

However, Optus acting director of mobile partners Chris Lane would not confirm speculation the carrier was about to expand its presence in the lucrative premium services market.

Optus launched Zoo Arcade, which includes ring tones, news and sport updates for subscribers, on Thursday. Games cost up to $15 to download. But an Optus spokeswoman said the carrier was not prepared to comment on plans to introduce age-restricted content.

"We are waiting for the regulations to come through from the Australian Communications Authority," she said.

Consumer Law Centre director Chris Field said talk of introducing adult services was alarming, as the industry was still largely self-regulated, and it would be difficult to ensure children were not exposed to the adult-only content.

In April, Hutchison Telecommunications' carrier 3 introduced Playboy pictures and videos that can be downloaded to a mobile.

In May, the Federal Government told the Australian Communications Authority to develop measures to restrict access to adult services delivered by SMS and multi-media messaging.

ACA manager of mobile content Vince Humphries said controls could be in place early next year.